for Construction Projects in Edo State
FEATURED PAPER
By Edosa M. Osazuwa & Martha A. Esekie
Department of Quantity Surveying
University of Benin, Nigeria
ABTRACT
The study aims to assess the factors affecting the level of adoption of alternative materials for construction. The population targets are Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Builders and Architects, who are major stakeholders in the construction industry. The research method used was quantitative analysis, and a total of 185 responses were obtained. The findings demonstrate that materials with proven performance, familiarity, and accessibility dominate adoption, while innovative bio-based and agro-waste materials remain underexploited. Addressing cultural biases, enhancing public education, developing local processing infrastructure, and implementing supportive policies are essential for promoting sustainable construction practices in Edo State. Innovative materials such as rice husk, palm kernel shells, coconut coir, hemp, and sheep wool should be supported through pilot programs and research to build confidence in their performance. For enhancing the level of adoption, educational campaigns and technical training to increase knowledge of the benefits and proper use of alternative materials, development of local processing facilities and supply chain.
Keywords: alternative materials, sustainable, conventional materials, Edo State.
INTRODUCTION
The use of reusable materials in Nigerian Construction industry is constrained but is gaining traction. Alternative building materials, such as bamboo, lumber, laterite, and agricultural byproducts, provide substantial ecological advantages because they are readily available, biodegradable, and have low embodied energy (Olotuah & Adesiji, 2012). Despite these advantages, their adoption in Nigeria remains limited, largely due to perceived or actual cost implications, lack of awareness, technological constraints, and inconsistent policy support (Eze E.C, 2023).
The rising cost of building is a source of concern to most Governments in the world, especially in countries still developing. One possible cause is the rising cost of building materials since a larger portion is incurred from building materials (Yalley & kwan, 2008).
There is an acute lack of affordable houses which is largely due to the high cost of the conventionally processed construction materials such as steel and Portland cement. The importance of alternative materials in sustainable construction cannot be overstated. Traditional building materials, such as concrete, steel, and brick, have significant environmental footprints due to their high energy consumption and carbon emissions during production. In contrast, innovative materials offer more sustainable alternatives that can help reduce the environmental impact of construction (Nturanabo, Masu & Kirabira, Okoduwa, et. Al., 2024, 2019, Omaghomi, et. Al., 2024). Alternative materials play an important role in the betterment of energy efficiency of building.
Furthermore, money is still a major consideration when choosing a building project in Nigeria, where financial constraints and budget overruns are frequent problems (Aibinu & Jagboro, 2002).
As a result, a better knowledge of the cost dynamics associated with alternative resources is critical. This comprises not just the original purchase price, but also lifetime costs, maintenance, and long-term economic advantages. According to research, while some alternative materials may have greater upfront prices, their long-term savings and environmental benefits can surpass these initial investments (Asif, Muneer, & Kelley, 2007).
As Unegbu et al. (2017) emphasizes, renewability is only the first step, true sustainability considers the entire life cycle to ensure lasting environmental benefits.
This study seeks to address that gap by investigating the financial viability, market accessibility, and long-term economic ramifications of alternative construction materials in Nigeria.
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How to cite this paper: Osazuwa, E. M., Esekie, M. A. (2026). Factors Affecting the Adoption of Alternative Materials for Construction Projects in Edo State; PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue VI, June. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pmwj164-May2026-Esekie-Osazuwa-alternative-construction-materials.pdf
About the Authors
Edosa Mark Osazuwa
Benin City, Nigeria
Edosa Mark Osazuwa, B.Tech, MTech (Quantity Surveying) serves as a Lecturer I in the Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He can be contacted at osazuwaedosamark@gmail.com
Martha A. Esekie
Benin City, Nigeria
Martha Aitekere Esekie is a recent graduate of the Department of Quantity Surveying at the University of Benin, Nigeria. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and professional development within the built environment sector. During her time at the University of Benin, she served in student leadership roles, contributing to student representation. Her research interests include sustainable construction, construction cost and project management, and Adoption of alternative building materials for sustainable development. She is passionate about advancing innovative and environmentally responsible practices in the construction industry.
